"When [McNabb] played, I used to go to Philadelphia for two or three games a year until I got busy with hockey," Nurse said. "I got to see all the work he put in. Our relationship is really tight. We talk all the time, and he's been a special person in my life. I go to him for advice whenever I need it."

What makes Nurse's situation interesting is that there's a chance he would be available to be selected by the hockey team in the same city where his uncle made his mark. The Philadelphia Flyers own the 11th pick in the draft. Most projections have Nurse going earlier, but if he's available it would seem like he's a natural fit for the Flyers, an organization that lacks depth on defense.

He's more of a defensive-defenseman that plays with a lot of grit and toughness. While assisting with our mid-season Big Board, one NHL scout explained that every team needs players like Nurse due to his aggressiveness and abrasiveness.

Flyers director of hockey operations Chris Pryor admitted to the Inquirer that the club likes Nurse.

"I don't know if he'll be a big offensive guy, but our scouts like the elements he brings," Pryor said. "He brings size, he moves well, and he will get bigger. He's a hard guy to play against."

Falling to Philadelphia might be wishful thinking at this rate. After posting 12 goals, 29 assists and 116 penalty minutes in 68 games, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound defenseman was slotted fourth among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings.

Beyond his talent, one of the more intriguing aspects about Nurse is his willingness to put in the work to make it to the next level, which is something he picked up in part from McNabb, who is married to Richard Nurse's sister.

"I think big defensemen have the biggest adjustment to play in the NHL," the Hamilton, Ont., native told the Inquirer. "I'm prepared for as long as it takes, whether it takes two years or three years or whatever. It's my dream, and I'm going to keep working to get there."

So many prospects are in a rush to get to the NHL, which for most is the wrong approach. As the son and nephew of former professional athletes, Nurse probably has a better perspective than most on what it takes to be a pro. That mentality is sure to help Nurse on his quest to not only make it to the NHL, but be an impact player when he gets there.